Schools and Education

Suggested itinarary for schools and educational groups.

Morning

Start your day with a visit to Canterbury’s most important centrepiece; the Cathedral, a World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most important pilgrimage centres. The Cathedral dates back to 597AD when St Augustine became the first Archbishop establishing his seat in Canterbury. You will see where its most famous Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170 and view the numerous tombs and monuments including those of Edward the Black Prince and King Henry IV. Marvel at one of the cathedral’s greatest glories; the stained glass collection which dates back to the 12th and 13th century, depicting miracles, royal connections and biblical stories and regarded as the finest in the country.

The Cathedral offers a wide range of facilities to ensure that you enjoy and benefit from your stay there. You have the possibility to do an audio-tour (available in 7 languages) or walk around with a guidebook. Alternatively you can book a guided tour which takes approximately 90 minutes.

The annual Canterbury Food and Drink Festival 2017 returns to the city from the 22nd to 24th September 2017.

Afternoon

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of medieval England as you step into the world described by Geoffrey Chaucer in his stories about the colourful band of Pilgrims on their journey from London to Canterbury. Along the way you'll hear stories of love, romance, jealousy and trickery in this entertaining re-creation of life in medieval England. Audio guides for adults and children are provided as part of the tour. Allow 45 minutes.

Itinerary and time allowing you may wish to include a visit to The Roman Museum or the Museum of Canterbury. The Roman museum takes you underground to the level of the buried Roman town of Durovernum Cantiacorum, which flourished for almost 400 years where Canterbury stands today. See the remains of a Roman house with its mosaic floor as well as other archaeological finds and authentic reconstructions.Allow 60 minutes.

The Museum of Canterbury has a display of exhibits from pre-Roman to the present and also houses the Rupert Bear Museum. Learn more about bygone times in the new education wing, featuring the 1900s house Victorian collection. You will also have the opportunity to view the Royal Museum and Art Gallery displays and collections while their current home undergoes major refurbishment.Allow 90 minutes.

Discover Canterbury's history, from millions of years ago to the present, explored through interactive displays in an amazing medieval building at the Canterbury Heritage Museum.

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Canterbury Roman Museum

Descend 100 years with each step or by lift to the Roman street level at Canterbury Roman Museum. Stroll through the marketplace, look inside recreated Roman rooms, and discover amazing finds including a hoard of hidden treasure.

See how little has changed since Roman times when viewing rare tools, or how much could be made of simple items like bones. Be amazed by collections of intricate Roman glass flasks and bottles, jewellery and a silver spoon hoard.

The impressive pillared entrance of Canterbury Roman Museum is in Butchery Lane and very close to Canterbury Cathedral.

Party sizeGroup rates apply to 10 or more. It is best to allow parties to go round in supervised groups of 15. The hands-on area at the Canterbury Roman Museum seats up to 16 students. If you are bringing a whole class to this museum you will need to divide them in half: while one group works in the hands-on area, the other group can use the museum displays. If you are bringing parties of 35 or more to any of the museums then these will need to be split into smaller units to ease congestion at the entrance. Please contact front of house staff to discuss access for larger parties.

Duration of visitAllow plenty of time to enjoy your visit: 45 minutes to 1 hour for the Canterbury Roman Museum. If the group is using the hands-on area at the Canterbury Roman Museum please allow an extra 30 minutes. Allow 20 minutes from the coach park - also add in some extra time for delays, which may occur on your journey.

Planning a visitTeachers and group organisers are welcome to make a preliminary visit free of charge and to discuss with staff the practical arrangements for a group visit, and how to link to other attractions.

Booking serviceTo ensure access without overcrowding, please telephone first to check available times and to make a booking.

Guided toursFor an additional charge, let an experienced guide show you round the Canterbury Heritage Museum and/or Canterbury Roman Museum. The tours last approximately 45 minutes and can be arranged to suit different ages and interests. They are operated separately by the Canterbury Guided Walking Tours and are available in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Russian. Payment for tours should be made directly to the guide. Please contact the Canterbury Guided Walking Tours on 01227 459779 or by emailing guides@canterburytouristguides.co.uk.

LunchThere is a lunch room at the Canterbury Heritage Museum which must be booked in advance of your visit. 60p per pupil/student. For more information on booking this room, please contact the Canterbury Heritage Museum on 01227 475202.

Venue

See location on Google maps.
Map reference: TR 150577 Lat: 51.27873 Long: 1.08139 The Canterbury Roman Museum is located off the High Street and very near the Cathedral. 5 minutes walk from the City Centre10 minutes walk from Canterbury West15 minutes walk from Canterbury East10 minutes walk from the City's Park & Ride terminal and bus station.